Matakatia Bay New Years Tragedy

Auckland, 1 January 2024 - At 6:49pm this evening, Coastguard volunteers responded swiftly to an urgent call-out regarding a missing snorkeler in Matakatia Bay, Whangaparoa. Working in collaboration with the Police Eagle Helicopter, which located the individual, our Coastguard crew wasted no time in retrieving the individual from the water. Immediate medical assistance was provided onboard before transporting the person back to shore. The individual was handed over to the care of St John.

We commend the quick and effective actions of our volunteers onboard Hibiscus Rescue 1 and Hukatai Rescue, our Operations Centre staff, and Police in responding to this emergency situation.

Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. We know tough situations like this can also be hard on our volunteers and we are providing them with the support they need.

Further enquiries should be directed to Police.

ENDS

Kimberley Waters
Coastguard New Zealand Communications Manager
[email protected]